Personalized 3D Visualization for Oral Hygiene and Motivation in Adults With Gingivitis

This study evaluated whether personalized three-dimensional images of possible future changes in the gums could improve oral hygiene and motivation in adults with gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums associated with dental plaque. Eighty-four adults aged 18-60 years were randomly assigned to three groups of 28 participants. The groups received conventional oral hygiene education, general three-dimensional educational animations, or personalized three-dimensional visualization using models created from their own intraoral scans. All participants received the same nonsurgical periodontal treatment and instruction in toothbrushing and cleaning between the teeth. The personalized images illustrated possible gum recession and tissue changes if periodontal care and daily plaque control were neglected. They were educational scenarios, not individual predictions of future disease. Personalized visualization was accompanied by a clinician-guided motivational discussion. Dental plaque, gum inflammation, gum bleeding, and motivation toward dental treatment were assessed before treatment and six weeks later. The study compared these outcomes among the three educational approaches.